Catfight: Barbie v. the Bratz

She may look all, "Oooh, let's have a tea party," but Barbie (left) can be a monster in the courtroom.  According to news reports, including this one in Tradingmarkets.com, Barbie's Mattel has prevailed over rival MGA, distributor of the Bratz dolls. 

A jury agreed with Mattel's claim that Bratz doll designer, Carter Bryant, had created designs and prototypes for the Bratz while employed by Mattel.  The jury thus concluded that MGA and its CEO had, among other things, interfered with Bryant's contractual duties to Mattel.  Bryant himself had earlier settled with Mattel.  The trial is not over, but I think I can hear the skinny lady singing.

My money would have been on the Bratz dolls to pummel Barbie down to her goody-two-shoes.  My seven-year-old daughter is a fan of both dolls, and the Bratz' sass usually bests Barbie's moxie.  Still, I overlooked the tale of the tape (left).  As you can see, modern Barbies are pumped up.  Not only are their waists wider, they have six-pack abs.  Don't mess with Barbie, Bratz.  She'll f you up.

[Jeremy Telman]